The theme for IWD 2026 is ‘Give to Gain.’ If you could go back in time and ‘give’ one piece of advice to your younger self on her first day in the industry, what would it be, and what do you think she would ‘gain’ from knowing it sooner?

To my younger self: Trust your voice, it is your power. Lead with integrity, design with courage, and remember: when you give – your time, your mentorship, your generosity – you gain influence, trust and impact.

There is no scarcity in leadership. Lift others as you rise, and the spaces you create – and the women you empower – will shape the future.

How has the interior design industry evolved in terms of gender diversity since you began your career, and what changes would you like to see in the future?

Over the past three decades, we’ve seen meaningful progress in the industry – with more women leading firms, shaping global projects, and influencing our industry’s strategic direction. Design leadership today is more collaborative, inclusive and representative than ever before.

But despite the progress, challenges still persist, and women still face inequities in pay, advancement opportunities and representation at the highest echelons of design leadership and architecture partnerships. I would like to see parity in leadership roles, stronger, scalable mentorship, inclusive global perspectives, and holistic industry support.

The future of interior design will be stronger when diversity is not just visible – but embedded in how we lead, hire and elevate one another.